Mmmmm... Food!

We can't live without it, and our taste buds would be sorely disappointed if we didn't consume it. Whether you call it food, comida, or something else entirely, there is no denying that it can be delicious. Food is a necessity for humankind, but it is also a pleasure. That's why, when I politely deny pancakes at my school's No Place for Hate breakfast celebration, or decline ice cream at a birthday, I receive looks of astonishment. I'm sure you've seen the shirts that say "Abs are Great, but Have You Tried Cupcakes?" or else "How I Cut Carbs" with a pizza cutter directly below. And I'll be honest - it isn't easy. When I was small, I positively lived for cinnamon-sugar fried Matzos, banana chocolate chip pancakes, and my mom's killer brownies. The corner piece was always the best. When I started eating in a Primal fashion, the temptations were endless. No more pasta at the local cafe. No more Eggos, or cinnamon raisin toast. All the pleasure in food seemed to have vanished.
But then... I had a revelation! This way of eating was not going to be sustainable if I felt deprived ALL. THE. TIME. So I thought to myself: Maya, you've got to find foods that you love. Eating half of an avocado every day isn't going to cut it if it's not tasty. And guess what? With a little bit of digging around, and some extra time exploring the grocery store aisles, I found tons of toothsome things to keep me nourished. My philosophy is that food should be really, really good for you, but should never compromise on taste. Below are some of my favorite recipes, snack foods, and ingredients:

1. Avocados. When I realized there was a lot more to the world of avocados than a sprinkling of salt and a spoon, my life changed entirely. Take these Fudgy Avocado Brownies - they are absolutely scrumptious! I like to make this Cream Cheese Frosting to slather on top. Honestly, this treat is even better the next day! I also love to make smoothies with avocados, lay them on my salads, and make baba gauc.
2. Macadamia Nuts. So, I'm sure that there are plenty of FABULOUS recipes out there for macadamia nut goodies. But, my macs have never made it that far. They somehow always end up in my mouth. While they can be a little pricey, macadamia nuts are probably my favorite snack of all time, and an excellent source of healthy fats. Almonds and pecans are great, too. I won't say no to the occasional higher-carb pistachio, either.
3. Sausage and Kale Soup. This  AMAZING RECIPE is from the Ruled.me blog. I made it one night for dinner, and suddenly, I knew the definition of love. Mouthwatering and nourishing, there is seriously nothing that can be improved with this one! Some other entree-style recipes I live for are this Keto Beef Wellington, Cauliflower Rice Korean Bibimbap, Lasagna-stuffed Portobellos, and Lemon-Parmesan Cod with Garlic Butter
4. Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Blacberries... All Things Berries! Although I don't have fruit often (fructose or not, it's still got its fair share of sugar), berries are iffretuably delicious. I like to drizzle heavy whipping cream with some Lakanto Monk Fruit on them, or make this Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie (with almond milk or kefir instead of the soy milk, and full-fat cottage cheese). I know I provided a link for it a few posts back, but this Low-Carb Summer Berry Galette is definitely worth mentioning again. Don't tell my little sister that it's made with fathead dough! She gobbled it right up.
5. Dark Chocolate. 85% and above dark chocolate can have some lovely health benefits, including lots of antioxidants and protection against cardiovascular disease. Don't have it all the time, but if you're like me, feel free to indulge a time or two a week. Who can say no to a piece of rich, creamy dark chocolate? I especially like the Endangered Species chocolate, and the Ghirardelli 92%. If you have a Cost Plus World Market near you, they make a 99% bar that is wonder in the shape of a rectangular prism. Are you looking for no sugar whatsoever? Try Lily's chocolate - while it's not super dark, it is sweetened with stevia.  
6. Green Tea. There is nothing better than warm green tea in the morning, or after a long day. It's so refreshing! Really any type of tea will do; my sister is partial to peppermint, while my mom likes Earl Grey. Just make sure not to overload your system with caffeine! If you're a devoted coffee drinker, like my dad, go ahead and have a cup - there are plenty of health benefits in each mug. If you don't like your tea or coffee alone, try a splash of heavy whipping cream and a sprinkle of Monk Fruit.
7. Dark, Leafy Greens. Once upon a time, there was this crazy kale fandom at my school. People would show up in kale tees, have kale bags, eat kale chips for lunch... and I thought they were insane. Turns out, I was the insane one. Not only do leafy greens provide plenty of folate, fiber, and help your heart, but they can be completely delectable. Try blending some frozen spinach into a smoothie, or saute fresh spinach to put in an omelette. As it turns out, kale chips really are amazing. Roast pre-washed and cut baby kale with olive oil and sea salt on a lined pan. Cook them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. Get ready to be stunned as you eat the warm, crunchy goodness. Arugula makes a superb base for a salad, or a topping for fathead dough pizza. Dark, leafy greens are delightful.

That's all for today, everyone! Food does NOT have to be boring - try creating your own flavor combinations and recipes. It's so much fun! 

What are some of your favorite Primal foods? Let me know in the comments below!

Carpe Diem!

-Maya

Photo by Vincent van Zalinge on Unsplash , Photo by Lizette Carrasco on Unsplash, 

Photo by Jo Sonn on Unsplash